Page 36 of King of Malice
But there’s been this new layer lately. She always seemed to hate that I had it all together. But the last several times we talked, she said she was worried about me.I didn’t have a full enough life…I needed people beyond her.
I’d dismissed her words. She was enough for me. I didn’t want more people, more risk. I turn on the shower, stripping off my clothes.
Turns out, she was right.
Being here has brought color to my life in ways that I never dreamed. I step into the hot spray, the massaging head spraying a targeted stream of water onto my stiff muscles.
I tip my head back, wetting my hair and working the shampoo through the thick strands. I can’t think of Dimitri as my savior. It’s just going to mean I end up hurt in the end.
And Cadence. I’ve got to find her, bring her home safe, and tell her the truth. As much as I save her, she saves me too, forces me to see certain truths about myself.
It’s always been this way and, it turns out, her leaving was what I needed too. It’s so crazy.
An hour later, Dimitri leaves with Anna to take her to the pediatrician.I offer to go, but I’m relieved when he gently refuses. “Catch up on your other job while you’ve got the time.”
But as they leave, and I find myself alone in the apartment, I don’t return to my computer.
Instead, I stand outside the door of Dimitri’s office, staring at the closed door. Am I really going to do this? Rifle through the private spaces of his home?
I square my shoulders. This is what I came for.
How else am I going to help my friend?
Drawing in a deep breath, I push open the door. The room is exactly how I pictured it, a large mahogany desk sits to one end, a bank of windows behind it, displaying a stunning view of the Las Vegas skyline.
File drawers are built into one wall, framed in more dark wood.
Walking across the floor, I do a quick scan for any cameras. I haven’t seen any evidence of them anywhere in the apartment, but I take a second look before I move behind the desk, opening the center drawer.
There is nothing but pens and other office supplies.
The next one holds tape and a stapler, neatly arranged. And the third holds nothing more interesting than more office supplies.
Moving to the cabinets, I open a drawer to find tax documents and payroll for the various casinos. All of it screams legitimate business owner.
Hands on my hips, I let out a breath. It makes sense that Dimitri doesn’t leave information about criminal activity out for anyone to find.
But still. I’d hoped for some small nugget. A tiny clue of what he does and where I start my search for Cadence.
Or maybe I didn’t. Relief makes my breath come out in a long steady stream.
Searching the last drawer, I leave the office. Crossing the hall, I enter Dimitri’s bedroom. I’m more comfortable here, having spent the night last night.
Part of me wants to give up. I didn’t find anything, and that mightmean there has been some mistake. He’s not the man I think he is, and I’m free to just explore what’s been happening between us.
But I shouldn’t give up now. And besides, if Dimitri were to return home and find me in here, I’d have an excuse that I left something behind last night.
There is no risk continuing my search in here.
I rifle through the nightstand, my only find is the handcuffs we used last night. I touch them, my body getting hot all over, before I move to the dresser. Finally, I search the closet but find nothing more than his scent that wraps around me like a blanket and a reminder that I’m likely a shitty person.
Done searching, I know I need to come up with a new plan. But in the meantime, I might as well get some real work done before Anna comes back and I’m once again taking care of a sick toddler.
The stranger part is how much I’m looking forward to both Dimitri and Anna coming back. Even the short time they’ve been gone, I miss them.
I care about them both way too much already and If I’m not careful, I’m going to get caught in my own trap.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
